Dr. Dang Thi Hong Phuong, Deputy Head of the General Planning Department at Benh vien Da lieu TP HCM, explained that allergies are an excessive immune response to substances the body incorrectly perceives as harmful, even though they typically pose no threat to normal individuals.

Allergies can stem from various agents: food, medication, cosmetics, insects, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, or cleaning agents and soaps. The hospital often sees an increase in allergy cases during seasonal transitions, when changes in temperature and humidity create favorable conditions for mold and pollen growth. Extreme heat, cold, or dry weather can also irritate and crack the skin, exacerbating dermatological conditions.

From hives to anaphylaxis

Allergy symptoms vary widely depending on the trigger and reaction severity. Patients may experience itching, hives, rashes, or swelling of the lips, eyes, face, or tongue. Some cases present with gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, or diarrhea.

Crucially, if a patient experiences difficulty breathing, wheezing, or stridor, dizziness, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, cyanosis, or fainting, these could indicate a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and be fatal without prompt emergency care.

Drug allergies can also trigger severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). Patients may develop rashes, blisters, skin peeling, or ulcers in the mouth and other mucous membrane areas, requiring hospital treatment.

Recently, Benh vien Da lieu TP HCM treated a 51-year-old man for Lyell syndrome after he used eye drops. The patient had been allergic to this medication six years prior but used it again. Afterward, he developed blistering, mucosal ulcers, widespread skin lesions, and difficulty breathing.

A 51-year-old man suffered mouth ulcers and full-body blistering due to an eye drop allergy, receiving treatment at Benh vien Da lieu TP HCM. Photo: Hospital provided

Mistakes that worsen allergies

According to Dr. Phuong, a common mistake is that patients assume allergies only cause itchy rashes and will resolve on their own, leading to delayed medical consultation. Some individuals self-medicate with oral or topical drugs, or use folk remedies like applying leaves or unverified traditional medicine. These approaches can worsen skin damage, increasing the risk of infection, necrosis, and scarring.

Patients should also stop exposure to suspected allergens. Continuing to use medication or cosmetics, or maintaining contact with the allergen, can intensify the reaction.

The doctor advises that people should not be complacent if abnormalities appear after taking medication, eating certain foods, being bitten by insects, or using cosmetics. Especially if experiencing difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, dizziness, fainting, or cyanosis, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary.

Allergies can affect anyone, including those with no prior history. Individuals with an allergic predisposition have a higher risk of conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, but this does not mean only this group experiences allergies.

For prevention, individuals should limit exposure to known triggers, maintain a clean living environment, and avoid self-medicating without a doctor's guidance.

Le Phuong